Financial assistance is being requested from Spanish unions, while Irish Farmers Association dairy chair Sean O’Leary said the Commission must look for other export destinations.

He added: “The Russian ban has clearly had a particular short term effect on market sentiment, buyer behaviour and therefore prices.

“However, Russian consumers will need supplies during their harsh autumn and winter months in particular, and buyers will start importing product from other parts of the world, which ought to help rebalance markets.”

He said that PSA was ‘helpful’ and called for a vigilant approach must be taken but that support funds must not come from the CAP.

The Commission rules on PSA dictate 90 to 120 days, which is to extend to certain protected cheese.

“Cheddar is one of the most widely internationally traded cheeses and its exclusion from PSA would be detrimental to the UK dairy industry. We will be lobbying the Commission to argue for such an extension.”

Michael PriestleyNews Team - Editor

Mainly production and market stories on ruminants sector. Works closely with sustainability consultants at FAI Farms